Monthly Archives: January 2019

Definition Shoulder impingement refers to mechanical compression and/or wear of the rotator cuff tendons. The rotator cuff is actually a series of four muscles and tendons connecting the scapula (shoulder blade) to the humeral head (upper part of the arm bone). These muscles are located deep in the shoulder, beneath …

Cystic Hygroma – Description A cystic hygroma is a fluid-filled sac that results from a blockage in the lymphatic system. They are also known as Lymphatic Malformation (LM). It is most commonly located in the neck or head area but can be located anywhere in the body. It may be …

ADA Deficiency – Description Adenosine deaminase (ADA) deficiency is an inherited disorder that damages the immune system and causes severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID). People with SCID lack virtually all immune protection from bacteria, viruses, and fungi. They are prone to repeat and persistent infections that can be very serious or …

Definition Panniculitis is a broad term referring to inflammation of the fatty layer underneath the skin. It is usually seen in women, on the thighs and lower legs. There are many types of panniculitis, all with different causes, but the condition generally causes the skin to feel hard and to …

Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 – Description Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 is the most common type of diabetes. It is a chronic problem in which blood glucose (sugar) can no longer be regulated. There are two reasons for this. First, the cells of the body become resistant to insulin (insulin resistant). …

Definition Torticollis is when a muscle of the neck, called the sternocleidomastoid, is shorter on one side of the neck than the other. The tight muscle causes the head to tilt toward the side of the neck with the shortened muscle and the head to be turned away from that …

Definition Ichthyosis is a generalized, mostly genetic disorder of the skin. All types of ichthyosis have dry, thickened, scaly or flaky skin. There is no cure, but symptoms are usually mild and manageable with a daily skin care routine. The severity of symptoms can vary extremely, from the mildest types …

Overview Phimosis is defined as the inability to retract the skin (foreskin or prepuce) covering the head (glans) of the penis. Phimosis may appear as a tight ring or “rubber band” of foreskin around the tip of the penis, preventing full retraction. Types of Phimosis Phimosis is divided into two …

Definition Uveitis is a general term describing a group of inflammatory diseases that produces swelling and destroys eye tissues. These diseases can slightly reduce vision or lead to severe vision loss. The term “uveitis” is used because the diseases often affect a part of the eye called the uvea. Nevertheless, …

Overview A hernia occurs when an organ pushes through an opening in the muscle or tissue that holds it in place. For example, the intestines may break through a weakened area in the abdominal wall. Hernias are most common in the abdomen, but they can also appear in the upper …